The Fixture Programme presented the Nomads with a back to back fixture against Highfield Rangers. Not an ideal situation. After 30 minutes a skirmish was dealt with by the Referee, but with play due to continue the Assistant Referee informed the Referee that Scott James had butted an opponent and the red card was hoisted. Whether or not this was a correct decision was irrelevant, the Nomads were reduced to 10 men for the remainder of the game. Before this incident, on 10 minutes, the Nomads had taken the lead. A well worked free-kick found Troy Bucalossi in the box, and with his second attempt found the back of the net. The Nomads put the incident behind them, knocking the ball around and continued to make chances. Matt Boyles came close, the keeper having to pull off a good save, then on 40 minutes the Nomads won a corner. The ball found Sam McMahon on the edge of the box, who finished in style. On the stroke of halftime, the keeper was again in action, this time denying a Jake Duffy free-kick. The second half opened with a period of Highfields pressure but their shots were wide of the target. It required a good save by Sean Bowles on 58 minutes and a flag for off-side to maintain the Nomads two goal advantage. As the half progressed, the Nomads regained control, their passing game coming to the fore, but a couple of chances were not converted. However, with only 5 minutes left of the match, the Nomads were awarded a penalty. Up stepped Sean Bowles, but his counterpart continued to impress with a good save. Robert Morrell |